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3 charged in Calif. teen’s rape — and suicide

Posted at 11:11 AM, Apr 14, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-14 12:26:32-04

LOS ANGELES (CBS News) — Three teens charged in connection with the sexual assault of one of their classmates while she was passed out, allegedly posted photos of the attack online.

This latest incident is just the latest in a string of disturbing cases across the nation.

Authorities say a week after photos of Audrie Pott incapacitated and raped were circulated online, the 15-year-old committed suicide.

“It’s unconscionable for someone to distribute images like this when you’ve actually taken advantage of someone,” said Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. “And why are you filming and distributing a crime?”

A family attorney said it was only after her death that Audrie’s parents learned she had seen those images.

“We obviously cannot bring Audrie back,” said lawyer Lauren Cerri, “but the family’s goal is that what happened to Audrie never happens again, and that the boys are held fully accountable.”

The district attorney must now decide whether to try the three teens as adults.

Click here to read more on this story from CBS News.